Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has appealed to citizens of Ile-Ife, who are protesting the choice of the new vice-chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, to give peace a chance and stop their protest forthwith.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Tuesday in Osogbo, noted that Ivory Towers anywhere in the world are sacred institutions and everything must be done to accord them that dignity.
The governor said that though the state had no role in the choice of who becomes the vice-chancellor of the university, being a federal institution, added that he, however, had the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the institution and its workers as the host governor.
To this end, he urged all protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow peace to reign.
“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of concern that I call on the good people of Ile-Ife, especially those protesting over the choice of a new vice-chancellor to stop further protest and give peace a chance.
“By their nature and functionality, universities are rules- and convention-based conservative institutions premised on academic and governance autonomy.
“If we have any reason to believe that these rules are circumvented, there are laid down procedures to remedy such situations rather than resorting to self-help.
“We are known for peace in Osun. We must therefore not do anything to tarnish that enviable reputation,” Oyetola said.
The indigenes of the ancient town had embarked on a series of protests against the announcement of a non-indigene as the new vice-chancellor of the university.
Source: NAN
